DEALS

Three teens charged in beating of 13-year-old on Gulfport bus

From left, teenagers Lloyd Khemradj, Julian McKnight and Joshua Reddin were charged in the beating of a 13-year-old student on a Pinellas County school bus after it left Lealman Intermediate School. GULFPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Three teenagers were arrested Wednesday after they ganged up and beat a 13-year-old student on a Pinellas County school bus after it left Lealman Intermediate School, Gulfport police said.

The driver of the bus called for assistance when the 15-year-old students repeatedly punched and kicked the other boy, according to police.

The suspects had fled via the emergency exit before officers got to the bus at 20th Avenue South and 51st Street. All three were later identified and apprehended.

The victim said he encountered at least one of the suspects in a school restroom where he alleged that the suspect tried to sell drugs to him, police said.

The victim reported this to school officials, and at the end of the day, both victim and suspect rode home on the same bus, according to police. As the bus was stopping near the intersection, the three suspects started punching and kicking the victim for nearly a full minute. As he tried to crawl under the seat, the suspects kicked and stomped on him.

In all, the suspects threw dozens of punches and at least 23 kicks or stomps. police said. The victim was injured including a fractured arm.

Arrested were Lloyd Khemradj, 15, and Julian McKnight, 15, both charged with aggravated battery; and Joshua Reddin, 15, who faces charges of aggravated battery and unarmed robbery, for allegedly taking the victim's money after the assault.